Flat Out

The graded stakes action is limited early on in the year. However, Gulfstream Park has provided us with a competitive and interesting race in the form of the Grade 3 Fort Lauderdale Stakes.

The 8 ½ furlong turf event is a relatively new race, but is already proving its importance. Last year’s winner, Little Mike, went on to win two more Grade 3 races before being laid up with a minor injury. He is considered a top turf miler for 2012.

Two years ago we saw Duke of Mischief splash home in the race as it was taken off the turf. After that win he took the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and later on the Grade 3 $1 million Charles Town Classic against one of the deepest fields of 2011.

Yummy With Butter has been prepared perfectly for the Fort Lauderdale Stakes. His last trip to the track was a six furlong allowance at Tampa Bay Downs against a stellar field. He came flying in the stretch to finish fourth beaten 3 ¼ lengths. Not bad, for a turf router that had not raced in two months. The eight-year-old gelding should be much sharper this time around. Paco Lopez will return to the irons. The duo teamed up to win a pair of Grade 3 races at Monmouth last year.

Juddmonte Farm’s son of Cacique, Mutual Trust, will get plenty of action. Winner of the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat last July, he is now in the barn of Bill Mott. Likely the winner of the 2011 Eclipse Award of Outstanding Trainer, Mott is off to a slow start at Gulfstream. Mott is 8% with horses making their first start in his barn and 0 for 11 with horses shipping from another country. While a fast horse, Mutual Trust figures to be an underlay. Jose Lezcano gets the call.

The dual Grade 1 winner Teaks North could fly under the radar after a bad loss in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He is a perfect one for one over this turf course with a win in the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. He will be within striking distance the entire way under new jockey Juan Leyva. If he brings his “A” game this race will be his.

Flat Out is going to try the weeds for the first time here. The son of Flatter isn’t particularly well bred for grass, but the connections say he is working well over the surface. Trainer Charles Dickey is off to a fast start and jockey Alex Solis can ride with the best of them on the Gulfstream turf course. Even still, I have to pass. He’s going to catch too much money and I can’t take an unproven turf horse in a race this deep.

My selection for the Grade 3 Fort Lauderdale Stakes is Silver Medallion. I love the way he powered home in the lane last out to win the Grade 3 Tropical Turf Handicap at Calder. It was a visually impressive race. I love his running style, near the pace, and I have a feeling we haven’t seen his best stuff yet. Todd Pletcher is bringing out the best in him. Javier Castellano will pilot the son of Badge of Silver.

Other key contenders include Uptowncharlybrown, Santiva, Hollinger, Hoofit and Kindergarten Kid.